Drug trafficking: Bayelsa NDLEA seeks residents’ cooperation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bayelsa State Command, has solicited the cooperation of residents and relevant stakeholders to rid the state of narcotics abuse and illicit drug trade.

A statement on Monday by the agency’s Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs, Mr. Osakwe Ikenna, a superintendent of narcotics, said for the war on drug trafficking to be won, there was the need for stakeholders’ synergy.

The agency also solicited the support of stakeholders and members of the public in terms of volunteering information, saying the agency was moving from reactive to a proactive organisation.

The statement said, ”The State Commander hereby wishes to solicit for the cooperation and partnership of the good people and residents of Bayelsa State in fighting the war against the illicit drug trade and abuse.

”With such concerted efforts, the fight against narcotics abuse and other problems associated with hard drugs will be reduced drastically. It will also engender a peaceful, progressive and drug-free state.”

The appeal for partnership came just as a new State Commander, NDLEA, Mr. Abdullahi Abdul, has taken over the mantle of leadership of the command.

Abdul, who resumed duty recently, took over from Mrs. Josephine Obi, who has been redeployed to Jigawa State as its commander.

Prior to his resumption in the state, Abdul was the immediate past Commander of Jigawa State Command of the agency.

Meanwhile, the agency has appealed to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from drugs.

It said, ”Drug has negative effects on the individuals. So, talk to your neighbours and friends to shun the use of narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances.”

The NDLEA said the agency was committed to extending its operations to all the nooks and crannies of the state including the riverine communities.

It, however, appealed to the state government and other public-spirited individuals to assist the command with logistics to enable the agency to carry out its operations seamlessly in the state.

source: today nigeria